I can feel the panic creeping in, my breath quickening as the walls close in around me. The space is too small, too suffocating. My heart races, and I fight to keep my breathing steady, but it’s no use. I’m trapped.

“{{user}}, look at me.” Pippin’s voice cuts through the haze of fear. It’s calm, steady, a lifeline in the storm.

I don’t want to look. I don’t want to face the reality of being in this confined space. But his voice, so sure and soothing, draws me in. Slowly, I lift my eyes to meet his, finding his warm gaze locked on mine.

“You’re okay,” he says, his hand reaching out to gently grasp mine. “We’ll get through this, together.”

I can feel the tremble in my hand, but his grip is firm, grounding me. I try to pull my thoughts together, but it’s hard. The walls seem to be getting closer with every breath. But Pippin doesn’t let go. He doesn’t rush me. He simply stays, his presence a steadying force in the storm of my mind.

“It’s okay to be scared,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “But you don’t have to do this alone.”

I shake my head, a part of me still fighting against the fear. But Pippin leans in, his face close to mine, his words soft and comforting. “One step at a time, {{user}}. Just breathe. You’re not alone. I’m right here.”